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ICIEOL Concludes, Calls on Society and Private Sector to Prioritise Integrating People of Determination |
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The two-day event was sponsored by the Dubai Community Development Authority (CDA) and organised by Qualifications House UK in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), to coincide with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and Human Rights Day. The event is rooted in the “My Community... A City for Everyone” initiative, which seeks to make Dubai a friendlier city for people of determination, in line the inclusive employment pillar of the Dubai Disability Strategy 2020. CDA’s Director General His Excellency Ahmed Abdulkarim Julfar said: “The great turnout witnessed at the inaugural Inclusive Employment and Occupational Learning, as well as the constructive debates that ensued, underscore the importance of inclusive employment for people of determination. This is a top priority for the UAE government and public alike; it demonstrates that we are on the right path to an inclusive society.” The Journey to Inclusive Employment Ahmad Al Mulla, Head of Community Relations at Tamkeen, said: “One of the most important challenges facing people of determination in the labour market is potential employers’ lack of confidence in their capacity to do their job, as well as the wider public’s stereotypical views towards this segment of society. Therefore, it is necessary that we work together to remove this obstacle that prevents the integration of stakeholders in society and create a supportive environment for them to be active members of their communities.” “This requires time,” Dr Holliman added; “it is necessary that we have the whole community on board to ensure that employment is decided based on a person’s merits. It is also crucial to have all sectors on board and work on a global scale to lay down the rules and foundations for this development.” Meanwhile, Professor Shawn Pift of the Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) said: “Education must be based on equal opportunity for all students to benefit from the possibilities and the tools it provides. This is the very mission of the education sector, therefore, it is necessary to remove all obstacles limiting people of determination’s access to the expertise and skills they need to confidently enter the workforce.” “With that in mind,” he continued, “the Authority has drafted the necessary legislation and strategies to facilitate the full integration of people of determination and we urge all schools to make the appropriate adjustments. We have so far sensed the full cooperation from all relevant parties, and I believe Dubai is making a lot of achievements in this area, setting an example of a friendly city towards people of determination.” A series of workshops was organised on the sidelines of the conference, most notable of which was the workshop led by Dr Hussein Ali Masih, Development and Social Welfare Specialist at the Community Development Authority in Dubai, which looked into developing executive regulations for inclusive employment, inspired by the requirements of Law No. (2) of 2014. Concerning Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the Emirate of Dubai. “This Conference, which brings together all parties with a vested interest and influence in this sector, provides a platform for an in-depth look into the challenges facing people of determination, as well as the foundations for solutions to address them. To achieve full integration, we must set the right foundations, foremost of which is the provision of the necessary skills that enable people of determination to compete in the labour market on an equal footing.” The workshop tackled a number of challenges, proposing suitable solutions to guarantee equality in the workplace and combat discrimination against people of determination. Foremost among these measures is separating monthly salaries from social support, in addition to providing transportation for people with motor disabilities and establishing a positive environment across organisations and companies. |
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